Diffractive Optical Element Lighting Apparatus for Compact Laser Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projection apparatuses for projecting multiple images are bulky, limiting their application in modern wearable and portable devices, and lack the ability to produce dynamic, colorful structured light patterns.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting apparatus with a substrate-mounted optical member featuring a diffractive optical element that collimates and converts laser beams into structured light patterns, allowing for dynamic color switching and reduced volume, suitable for wearable and portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional projection apparatus uses separate optical source module and diffractive optical element, then multiple images can be projected, but the volume and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical source module and diffractive optical element into a single integrated module, where the diffractive optical element is positioned adjacent to the optical source. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and complex mechanical structures, thereby reducing the overall volume while maintaining the capability to project multiple images from a single light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module uses a single optical source to generate light that is then diffracted by the diffractive optical element to create multiple projection paths. This multi-functional design allows one component system to perform what previously required separate dedicated sources and optical paths, reducing device complexity and volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional projection apparatus uses separate optical components, then multiple images can be projected, but the device complexity and mechanical components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light generation, diffraction, and multi-path projection) into a single integrated module with minimal mechanical components. The diffractive optical element is positioned adjacent to the optical source, eliminating the need for complex barrels, housings, and mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining the ability to project multiple images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with a diffractive optical element that uses optical diffraction principles to achieve multi-path projection. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical moving parts, adjustable barrels, and complex mechanical housings, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If lighting apparatus uses optical member directly fixed on substrate, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the diffractive optical element at a specific location adjacent to the optical source where the optical path requirements are most critical. This localized precision approach allows the majority of the device to maintain larger tolerances while only the critical optical interface requires high manufacturing precision, making the overall manufacturing process more feasible.
4Volume of stationary object
If lighting apparatus uses film-type optical component, then volume is reduced and wearable applications enabled, but optical component fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a film-type diffractive optical element that can be directly integrated onto the substrate near the optical source. This thin-film approach dramatically reduces the volume of the lighting apparatus and enables integration into wearable devices, while modern thin-film fabrication techniques make the manufacturing process commercially viable despite the increased precision requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a compact, versatile lighting system suitable for wearable and portable devices, capable of producing dynamic structured light patterns for biometric identification and enhancing the functionality of portable image capture and detecting devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical component fixed on the surface of the covering body and comprising a diffractive optical element. After the plural light beams emitted by the plural lighting chips pass through the optical component, a structural light pattern is produced.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting apparatus includes an optical member with a diffractive optical element. The optical member is directly fixed on a substrate with plural lighting chips. When the lighting apparatus is applied to a laser diode module, the height and volume of the overall laser diode module are reduced. Consequently, the laser diode module is suitably applied to a small-size device.